The body of Sneha Debnath, a 19-year-old Delhi University student, was recovered from the Yamuna River last evening. Sneha, originally from Tripura, had moved to Delhi with big dreams and was an ambitious overachiever. She was pursuing two courses simultaneously – a four-year undergraduate degree in Mathematics at Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College and a course in data science and programming with IIT Madras. Additionally, she was working as an intern with an Australian firm.
Described as an “overachiever” by her family, Sneha was known for her love of Mathematics, computers, and the anime Monster. Despite her young age, she was respected within her family for her hard work and independence. Her cousin mentioned that Sneha was determined to earn her own money and not rely on others.
However, friends of Sneha revealed that she had been upset in recent months, possibly due to family issues. Her father, Subedar Major (Honorary Lieutenant) Pritish Debnath (retired), was battling kidney failure and undergoing dialysis. Her disappearance on July 7 left her mother and sister devastated, especially after her body was found near the Geeta Colony flyover.
Sneha had left her home early on July 7, telling her mother that she was dropping off a friend at the Sarai Rohilla Railway Station. However, her friend later confirmed that they had not met that morning. The family’s search led them to a note written by Sneha, in which she expressed her decision to end her life by jumping off the Signature Bridge in Delhi.
The search for Sneha was hampered by the discovery that none of the 60 CCTV cameras near the Signature Bridge were operational, making it difficult for the police to track her movements after she left the cab. Sneha’s sister, Bipasha, expressed confusion and concern over the note, questioning why Sneha chose such a public location to end her life and raising suspicions of possible manipulation.
The family also criticized the police for their perceived inaction in the case. Hours later, Sneha’s body was discovered, bringing a tragic end to the harrowing search for the ambitious and talented young student.
